#Japan #Tokyo #CATMINT #Ryusei Maruyama #Eri Nakazaki

Unveiling 'So I' – A Deep Dive into Emotion and Family

The promising theatrical production 'So I - room for sympathy -' is set to take the stage from June 4th to June 8th, 2025, at the Akasaka RED/THEATER in Tokyo. This 21st performance by the renowned theater company CATMINT dives into the intricacies of familial relationships marked by misplaced affection. With a cast featuring talent like Ryusei Maruyama, Megumi Wakabayashi, and Eri Nakazaki, this play is poised to capture the hearts of audiences with its poignant narrative.

Ticket Sales and Show Details

Starting from April 12, 2025, fans can purchase tickets via fan club pre-sales, which will run until April 18. General ticket sales will commence on May 3, 2025, at 9:00 AM, through Confetti, managed by Long Run Planning Co., Ltd. Tickets are priced at 8,800 yen for S seats and 6,300 yen for A seats, both including tax.

Official Ticketing Link:

Confetti Ticket Site

The official website of CATMINT features more information about the play and cast, accessible here. You can also keep up with updates on their official X account, @team_catmint.

The Narrative: A Troubled Family's Tale

The plot unfolds on a misty summer night in a quiet provincial city, where a young man named Yuto Mishima voluntarily presents himself at the local police station. Detective Toma Matsuo, unexpectedly stranded due to the investigation, delves into the circumstances surrounding the case. Although nothing appears suspicious in Mishima's account, the motive remains elusive. Why would this gentle young man commit the grave act of killing his mother?

As Mishima recounts the events, his memories of a troubled upbringing surface, leading him to ponder deeply about the nature of his actions. "Why did I kill her, the toxic mother I loved so dearly?" This poignant narrative illustrates a deeply familiar tale of a family's struggles, underscoring the universal desire for love and acceptance.

Meet the Cast and Their Insights

The cast boasts impressive credentials. Maruyama, taking the pivotal role of Yuto Mishima, comments:

“This play is serious and weighty, reflecting the truth of certain familial situations. I aim to fully embody Mishima, drawing on my own life experiences. I hope to leave a lasting impression on the audience.”

Born on July 15, 1995, Maruyama made his stage debut in 2015. He has since starred in notable works, including musical adaptations of 'The Prince of Tennis' and 'Hakuouki.'

Megumi Wakabayashi, a member of the poetic theater group Obonro, shares her enthusiasm:

“I am thrilled to be part of CATMINT for the first time. The narrative captivates me, and I hope we can create a memorable piece together.”

Wakabayashi has participated in numerous productions through her group and has won accolades in various theater festivals.

Also featured are younger talents like Hibiki Watanabe and Hitomi Haruna. Watanabe expresses his excitement at revisiting CATMINT stages:

“My first appearance in CATMINT ignited my acting career. I cherish the opportunity to contribute to this outstanding company and hope our performance resonates with the audience.”

Watanabe began his career in a dance and vocal group before transitioning fully into acting.

Anticipating a Stellar Performance

As excitement builds for the performances, the cast and crew's commitment to delivering a profound experience is palpable. Audiences can expect not just a story but an emotional journey orchestrated by fine actors skillfully navigating complex family dynamics. With fine direction by Chisei Haida and a dedicated production team, 'So I' promises to be a highlight in the realm of contemporary Japanese theater.

Public Performance Schedule

The scheduled performances include:

• - June 4 (Wednesday) at 19:00
• - June 5 (Thursday) at 19:00
• - June 6 (Friday) at 19:00
• - June 7 (Saturday) with two shows: 13:00 and 18:00
• - June 8 (Sunday) with two shows: 12:00 and 17:00

Each show will begin 30 minutes prior to opening, ensuring an immersive experience right from the moment audiences step into the theater.

For lovers of theater, this upcoming CATMINT production is a must-see, as it promises to challenge perceptions of love within the family and to evoke deep feelings. Make sure to secure your tickets early to be part of this heart-stirring performance!